Model Railroad Crossing Signal and Crossing Gate Control System

Where do most folks see trains in the real world? At a grade crossing. Visitors to your model railroad layout will mentally connect your crossing signals to the real world. The more realistic your model train grade crossings, the stronger the connection. Give your visitors a visual treat. A realistic operating grade crossing signal system will definitely boost the 'cool' factor of your railroad layout. Looking for trackside block signal control circuits? • TS2 three-color system • Simple green/red signaling • British type starter and home signal control

MRX3 circuit includes a connection for non-flashing lamps, like these automobile brake lights

Grade Crossing Signal Flashers

• Control circuits and flasher circuits for road crossing warning lights with or without crossing gates.
• Sophisticated microprocessor controller.
• Manual control capability.
• Easy to daisy-chain controllers for multiple parallel tracks.
• Compatible with most block occupancy detectors.

Now with 4-quadrant crossing gate control

What are four-quadrant crossing gates? Typical North American railroad crossing gates on two-way streets block traffic on half of the road. The gates cover the lanes of approaching traffic, but not the lanes leading away from the tracks. Foolish drivers sometimes cross the highway median, drive around the gate and get hit by a train.
 
To reduce collisions at grade crossings, railroads are installing four quadrant gate systems on high speed rail corridors, commuter lines, light rail systems and in areas with high concentrations of foolish drivers.
 
Four quadrant gates block all lanes of traffic on both sides of the tracks. Gate operation is sequenced. The 'entrance' gates close first, blocking approaching cars. Then the 'exit' gates close on the opposite side of the tracks. The delayed closing of the exit gates prevents vehicles from being trapped on the tracks.

MRX3 Crossing Signal Controller

• Accepts input from 2 to 6 built-in infrared ('IR') train detectors to simulate real world crossing signal operation.
• May also be used with block occupancy detectors.
• Flasher circuit works with all types of signal lights. Configuration is automatic, no manual programming:
  • Common anode LEDs
  • Common cathode LEDs
  • Back-to-back LEDs
  • Incandescent bulbs
• Includes a connection for non-flashing lamps for automobile brake lights or lights at the tip of the crossing arms.
• Signal lights circuit will supply up to 500 milliamps (0.5 amp).
• To raise and lower crossing gate arms you may use either Tortoise™ slow-motion switch machines or R/C type servo motors. Supports 2-quadrant and 4-quadrant gate systems.
• Gate arm up/down speed is adjustable.
• Will operate non-flashing devices such as a banjo or wigwag crossing signal.
• Circuit board dimensions: 2.9 x 3.6 inches (74 x 91 mm).
• Power required: 9 to 16 volts AC or DC will work.
  • If using operating crossing gates, a regulated 12v DC supply is recommended, such as our PS1215.
  • Slow motion motors (Tortoise®) run faster with higher voltage, slower with lower voltage.
  • R/C servo speed does not vary with supply voltage, but a regulated DC supply is recommended because the servos draw high current in short pulses.       

MRX3 crossing signal controller with or without pre-wired infrared sensor sets
Select the number of IR sensors to include with the MRX3.

• Four IR sensor sets, 2 ft (60cm) and 6 ft (180cm) wire length.
  4 sensor sets for one track, or
  2 sensor sets per track, 2 tracks.
• Five IR sensor sets, two with 2 ft (60cm) and three with 6 ft (180cm) wire length.
  Use at a single track crossing with a track switch near the crossing.
  See the crossing system configurations page for details.
• Six IR sensor sets, two with 2 ft (60cm) and four with 6 ft (180cm) wire length.
  6 sensor sets for one track, or
  use with two MRD1 single detectors (sold separately below) to protect two tracks with 4 sensors per track.
• No IR sensors included.
  For use with block occupancy detectors or with your own infrared sensors.

You can splice up to 26 feet (8 meters) of additional wire to the sensor leads if a longer reach is needed.       

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